John Rende, Jr.

Haw River - John "Jon" Samuel Michael Rende, Jr., 66, passed away on Friday, August 17, 2018 at his home after a courageous battle of 4 ½ years with Multiple Myeloma.

Originally from Utica, NY and a North Carolinian since 1975, John was one of the innovators who brought New York Pizza to N.C. in the 70's. He previously had owned several restaurants since 1975 and was the co-owner/operator of Due Amici Foods, Inc., with his wife, until his cancer diagnosis in 2014. John was a staunch believer in Holistic Medicine and his family was originally from Bari, Italy and Triesta, Austria.

John is survived by his loving wife and soul mate, Victoria Dianne Rende of 30 years; a daughter, Nicole Marie Lazar and husband, David of Manhattan, NY; step daughters, Christina Michelle Kiser and fiancée, Wade Baise and Lisa Kiser Dixon and husband, David; his mother, Irene Rende of China Grove, NC; a sister, Doreen Folino and husband, Fred of Marcy, NY; brothers, Jerry Rende and Katie of Cornelius, NC, Michael Rende and Jennifer of Waxhaw, NC and Mark Rende of Utica, NY; adopted sons, Mike Plowman of Indian Trail, NC, Jeff Mocialek of Saxapahaw, NC and Sal Mazzurko of Burlington, NC; special nieces, Jessica Rende and Rachel Rende both of Cornelius, NC; special nephews, Joey Folino, Tony Folino, Marco Rende and Pat Sptolla; step grandchildren, Kasey, Jesse and Haley Johnson, Ashleigh and Michael Wilkins, Chelsea Dixon and Michael, Hunter Dixon and Michael Bell; step great grandson, Cooper Wilkins; faithful canine companions, Bijoux and Lola; faithful feline companions, Martini and Lady Jazmin; our extended family, Gerri and Ben Meade, Mildred Brooks, Lindy and Sandra Terrell, Jr.

He was preceded in death by his father, John Rende, Sr.; a sister, Olivia Sptolla; step nephew, Eddie Wayne Coble; mother-in-law, Helen Haley; nephew, Peter Sptolla and a niece, Cookie Sptolla. John was preceded in death by his wonderful friends, Betty Agresta, Jeff Stearns, Jerry Mazzurko, Robert Simon, Carmella Pespitino, Chef Claudio, Chef Rocco, Poppa Pete, Nick Guarino, Doc Reo and Kathie Baker.

John enjoyed collecting poetry books, fine wines and cigars, antique espresso cups and books on religions. He also enjoyed deep conversations with others, whether it was religions, politics or writings. John was always the funny one in the room with his quick witty sayings; he loved making others laugh. His hobbies included cooking with his wife, reading, writing poetry, listening to Italian music, studying Eastern Religions and playing poker with his best friend, Dave.

The family would like to thank their many wonderful friends, Dave Mackenzie, like a brother to John, Gene and Debbie Stikekeather, Benjamin Ramirez, Betty Lanier, Bill Atkins, Denise and David Brooks, Michelle Gibson, Peggy Surpico, Diane Newton, the Cangialos family, the Mazzuoko family, the Simon family, the Fera family, the Losurdo family, the Fusichello family, the Martinho family, the Carr family, Wade Baise, Angelo Agresta, Nita Lamb, Tommy Moore, and Jody Sutton.

The family would also like to express their gratitude to Dr. Dennis Fera, who became John's doctor and friend from 30 years ago. To the Hospice Angels, nurse Stephanie Kunar, Chaplain Holly Lux-Sullivan, social workers, Sandi Scott and Bonnie Moss; and to the Women's Resource Center of Alamance County for their support, where Victoria is a member and volunteer.

At John's request he wanted to be cremated with no funeral service. It was his belief that if you cared for him, you were actively in his life. The family will be having a private celebration of John's life at a later date for family and close friends.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Hospice of Alamance-Caswell, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215, the Women's Resource Center of Alamance County, 411-B W Fifth Street, Burlington, NC 27215, Alamance County Humane Society, www.hsaconline.org, Alamance County Animal Shelter, 221 Stone Quarry Rd., Burlington, NC 27217, Greyhound Friends Rescue of NC, 2908-A Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge, NC 27310, Shriners Hospitals for Children www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org or to Brenner's Children's Hospital, www.brennerchildrens.org.

As his favorite singer, Frank Sinatra sang "I Did It My Way", John lived his life to the fullest and he "lived it his way".

Events

Memorial Contribution